Sculpture "Putto on Lion Skin" in terracotta, Léon Dufrène, circa 1900 – France

Exceptional terracotta sculpture, signed by the French academic sculptor Léon Dufrène (1880-1917), originally titled in French "Putto sur une peau de lion" or "Baby and Lion". It depicts a male child figure, or putto in classical style, sitting on the lion's skin and turning to contemplate its open jaws. The contrast between the innocence and delicacy of the child and the brute strength of the feline is remarkable, as is the texture of the animal's mane and the soft, delicate skin of the little one. Léon Dufrène was a French academic sculptor from the late 19th century, specialising in capturing movement and anatomy, both infantile and animal, with great sensitivity and dynamism. This is an original model in terracotta, signed by the author, a material favoured by sculptors of the time before creating bronze versions. The piece is hollow, characteristic of terracotta or fired clay work. It bears the seal of the famous Parisian foundry Susse Frères Editeurs Paris, founded in 1758, which played a key role in the production of high-quality bronze sculptures during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.